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Modal Auxiliaries

🔧 What are Modal Auxiliaries?

Modal auxiliaries are helper words that show your attitude toward the action.

Our modals: can and will

They show:

  1. I won’t do it (unwillingness)
  2. I can’t do it (inability)
  3. I can do it (ability)
  4. I will do it (determination)

đź“ť Structure of Modal Auxiliaries

Formula: Subject + MODAL + main verb (base form)

Important: No TO after modals!

AFFIRMATIVE

  • I can speak English
  • He can wim
  • She will succeed
  • I will get there

NEGATIVE

  • I can’t do it (can + not = can’t)
  • He won’t give up (will + not = won’t)

INTERROGATIVE

  • Can you help me? (Est-ce que tu peux m’aider?)
  • Will you help me? (Est-ce que tu veux bien m’aider?)

🎯 Key Points to Remember

  1. Structure: Modal + base verb (no TO!)
  2. Negative: Modal + not (often contracted: can’t, won’t)
  3. Questions: Modal comes first (Can you…? Will he…?)

⚠️ Important Warning!

WANT and TRY are NOT modal auxiliaries!

  • I want TO do it

  • I try TO do it

Also remember: Modals never add -s for third person!

  • âś… He can do it
  • âś… She will succeed

Remember: Modals work without TO and without -s!